South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

      South Africa

      WW
      32 reviews
      Jul 18 - 26, 2024
      Group size: 8 - 12
      South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana
      South Africa

      32 reviews

      $NaN
      Jul 18 - 26, 2024
      Group size: 8 - 12

      About this trip

      Join Walker Wellness Retreats on this 8-night/9-day all-inclusive luxury adventure to Africa! We will be visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. From the time we pick you up at the airport, everything will be taken care of from start to finish. All transportation, meals, and activities are included. 


      The great part about visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana during July is that it is winter there and that means very little to no bugs!


      Please note that everything is completely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather. This retreat is a little more active as we will be moving from place to place as we cover a lot of land but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture between relaxation and excursions. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day at the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day.

      Helpful Information

      All travelers need a visa for entry to Zimbabwe. Visas are issued on arrival (VoA) at the respective point of entry and vary in length depending on the need of the traveler. All travelers must obtain visas at the port of entry as currently there is not an option of obtaining a visa through the Zimbabwean Embassy.


      You do not need a visa for South Africa or Botswana at this time.


      No vaccines are mandatory but please review suggested vaccines at least 6 weeks prior to departure for your trip. 


      The best thing to do is to book an appointment at your local travel clinic and tell them you are going to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana and which vaccines do they feel you should get. 


      They recommend Hep A and B, Malaria ( though you are going in winter so less of a risk for sure), Typhoid and Yellow Fever ( you are good for life once you get this one).


      It’s good to have rabies, meningitis, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap, pneumonia, and influenza. Your primary care doctor or your local travel clinic can tell you which vaccines you’ve already had and which ones you need.


      Please make sure you have at least 3 empty pages in your passport and that it is valid for at least 6 months after you return from your trip.


      USD can be accepted but please make sure you have new, crisp bills with no imperfections for them to be accepted.


      If you would like to extend your stay in Africa, Walker Wellness Retreats can assist you. Please outreach to Amy Walker at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com to review your options. We will be going to Rwanda and Uganda after this retreat.

      Game Drives at Senalala Safari Lodge

      During our stay at Senalala Safari Lodge, guests can enjoy twice-daily game drives (approximately 3 hours long) in open safari vehicles that offer unobstructed views in all directions. The first game drive leaves soon after sunrise, with a stop for coffee or tea and a snack in the bush. The second game drive departs in the late afternoon with a stop for sun-downers, where guests can watch the sunset over the African horizon. After the sun sets, we continue with a drive back to the lodge aided by a spotlight for night sightings. 


      The animals roam free, and we get to view them in this open habitat. In exceptional circumstances, vehicles will go off-road for unusual sightings, providing guests with a unique safari experience to get close to Africa’s wildlife. 

      Packing List

       What should I bring with me to Africa?

      • Casual, comfortable clothes are key! It will be colder than you think for the morning and afternoon game drives so please bring warm clothing. 
      • Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colors. We suggest keeping to light, neutral colors, but not white – it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
      • Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
      • T-shirts
      • Flip flops for walking around or using the pool
      • Bathing suit
      • Poncho for the falls
      • Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
      • Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
      • A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
      • During the day it can be warm so our advice is to pack  loose lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash      and dry.
      • A wide-brimmed safari hat to protect your face and neck.
      • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops are best, to protect you from the harsh sun by day and mosquitoes at night.
      • Take comfy practical footwear for daytime – the roads are dusty and uneven – and for trekking in the bush make sure you have sturdy, closed-in walking shoes or trainers. 
      • Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent,  moisturizer, and lip salve.
      • Binoculars and camera equipment.
      • Leave your valuables and expensive jewelry at home, you really won't need them.
      • A pashmina or sarong is a versatile item that you can use for sun protection or to ‘glam' up the simplest of outfits if you feel like a change.
      • Power converter – a universal converter can be purchased from Amazon.
      • Please back light. The small planes  we will take have weight restrictions. A soft-sided rucksack is more practical than a hard suitcase –  it's easier to fit into the small planes or transfer vehicles. Using packing cubes can help to keep your belongings tidy whilst compressing the volume too. 
      • You may like to carry a solar powered charger too, to boost your battery when out and about – you don't  want to miss that great photo opportunity!
      • Do not pack valuables in your checked bag.
      • Please consult with your doctor or local travel clinic at least 6 weeks before your adventure to Africa to find out what  is best for you to take in terms of medications and vaccinations.
      • Please visit https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/Africa to review safe travel tips and other information related to the country you will be visiting in Africa.
      • Please bring a credit card, debit card and around $100-$200 in cash for emergencies. You can take out money at the ATM when you arrive, and it will be in local currency. This is an all-inclusive retreat, but you will need money for small things you may wish to purchase as well as personal tipping.

      Meet Your Host

      Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. 


      Amy has a love for traveling to Africa and had led 6 group travel trips to Africa and counting!


      To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website. 

      Payment & Cancellation Policy

      Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.


      The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

      What’s included

      • Accommodations
        9 days/8 nights in luxurious accommodations
      • Airport Transfers
        Pick-up and drop-off at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
      • Retreat Airfare
        Economy flights between Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, and Victoria Falls
      • Meals
        All meals and drinks during the retreat
      • Transportation
        All transportation during the retreat
      • Excursions
        Private excursions with a local guide
      • Gratuity
        Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
      • Game Drives
        Twice-daily game drives while staying in South Africa
      • Elephant Encounter
        Get up close and personal with elephants
      • Victoria Falls
        Marvel at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on a tour of the falls
      • Chobe National Park
        Spot a plethora of wildlife in this surreal national park in Botswana
      • Zambezi River Cruise
        Zambezi River Cruise
      • Boma Dinner
        Boma Dinner in Victoria Falls
      • Airfare
        Airfare to and from Johannesburg, South Africa
      • Additional Items
        Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
      • Additional Gratuity
        Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
      • Alcoholic Beverages
        Additional alcoholic beverages enjoyed outside of Senalala Lodge
      • Insurance
        Travel insurance and medical insurance (required)
      • Travel Fees
        Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
      • Visa
        Visa on arrival for Zimbabwe $30-$45

      Available Packages

      All-Inclusive Double Occupancy
      Available until June 18, 2024only 1 left

      Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.


      Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.

      $6,395
      Deposit: $1,000
      All-Inclusive Single Occupancy
      Available until June 18, 2024Sold Out

      Single occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.


      Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above. 

      $7,395
      Deposit: $1,000

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Arrival & Orientation

      Welcome to South Africa! Here you start your luxury African safari adventure! 


      You will be picked up from O.R. Tambo International Airport and taken to your hotel for the evening. The retreat does not officially start until the welcome dinner at the hotel.


      7:00 PM - Orientation and dinner as a group at the hotel.


      Overnight at the Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo Airport.

      Your Organizer


      WW
      Walker Wellness Retreats
      32 reviews
      Welcome to Walker Wellness Retreats! Thank you for taking the time to learn about us! We created Walker Wellness Retreats to share the positive impact travel can have with as many people as possible. Travel makes the world seem not so large. It opens your mind to new ways of thinking. Together we can use our diverse skills and experience of traveling the world to design and plan incredible adventures to bring like-minded travelers together to unique places around the globe!

      Reviews

      As perfect a trip as I could have imagined! Amy and Brian were gracious and kind hosts...and Amy and her mom kept us well-fed! Chantel was an awesome yoga instructor--listened to us and catered classes to the needs of the group often based on our energy levels and physical challenges of the moment. She was also a supremely delightful traveling companion...driving us a total of nine hours in the van--back and forth to from SLC airport. A huge selling point for me was not having to arrange any transportation--bravo to Walker Wellness for creating a package that required extremely minimal extra out-of-pocket expenses. And the hiking, omg! Zion is deliriously beautiful and Bryce is downright Biblical in its majesty. The trip was also impeccably structured--a super challenging hike for the first full day and then a shorter hike that began later in the morning the following day with more time to rest in the afternoon.
      By John B for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Nov 01, 2023
      Wow! By far the trip to Zion was my best travel experience. The accommodations were very spacious, clean, and homey. Huge picture windows, a deck, hot tub, fire place, …The food was delicious and healthy. Amy is a great cook! The yoga was adjusted to what we needed prehike and post. It went beyond just yoga - there was sound healing, visualization, and more. Transportation to and from the parks made it easy for us. And did I mention the hikes? Stunning! Breath-taking! Fun! Lots of fond memories and I look forward to traveling with Brian and Amy again.
      By Kristen H for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Nov 01, 2023
      Great trip. Beautiful hiking.
      By Lisa S for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga on Oct 26, 2023
      This trip was beyond my expectations! It's rare to go on a trip where you only need to book a flight and after that every detail is handled for you. The accommodations were fantastic but the food was really the best part! I felt completely taken care of by the Walker Wellness Retreats team especially Shantel and Amber, who are delightful and talented people. I was able to relax, disconnect and get to know the wonderful group all while enjoying moving my body on the yoga mat and through breathtaking nature. Thank you to the whole crew at Walker Wellness Retreats for being so good at what you do!
      By Victoria S for Zion (Nectar Yoga) on Oct 24, 2023
      AM
      Excellent retreat, from start to finish. Two great, varied yoga sessions each day; well-planned daily hiking trips, with freedom to go on challenging hikes, easy hikes, or just chill; delicious and thoughtfully prepared meals; lovely house and environment. Each day matched the trip itinerary on-line, but it was made clear that we had options as it was "our retreat." And it was a very fun group that really enjoyed hanging out together! Thank you to Alle, Amber, and Walker Wellness. Total 5-star experience, and I'd gladly go again.
      By Alan M for Zion National Park Hiking & Yoga Wellness Retreat on Oct 18, 2023
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